Kids are constantly testing their boundaries.
When they test their boundaries, that usually equates to testing our patience.
Sometimes it ends in a lose/lose battle.
Ultimately, we wanna keep our cool while our kids walk away learning a valuable lesson.
The morning of a big soccer game Mo woke up and dumped a big bucket of Legos on the floor. By big bucket, I mean enough Legos to fill a small swimming pool.
I reminded him that in addition to making his bed, he needed to pick all the Legos up before his soccer game.
“Sure Mom. I will.” he replied.
Five hours later he’s dressed and ready for his game and meets me in the car. As I’m backing out of the driveway here’s how it goes down:
Me: Did you pick up the Legos?
Mo: (long pause) Umm…no.
Me: Did you make your bed?
Mo: (longer pause and fake cough) Umm…err…no, cough cough.
I pull the car back into the driveway.
Me: You need to go back in the house and do what you were supposed to do.
Mo: But Moooooom, I’m gonna be late for my game.
Me: Oh well, you should have thought about that earlier.
Mo: grumble grumble….mean mom…not fair…gonna be late…
Naturally we were late for the game. As much as I preach the importance of being on time, I had to stick to my guns to teach the value of another lesson: Listen to Mom!!!!
